In 2025, BookTok has firmly established itself as a dominant force in shaping reading habits among India’s Gen Z. From romance and mystery to mental health and productivity, the platform continues to influence what young Indians read, share, and recommend. With millions of users on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, the viral #booktok trend has turned books into cultural phenomena and authors into online celebrities.
The trending book selections are not limited to English bestsellers—regional and Indian authors are also making waves. These books are more than just stories; they’re part of identity, self-discovery, and online conversations. This year’s most loved titles are already driving bookstore sales, library checkouts, and eBook downloads across the country.
Fiction Picks Dominating BookTok India in 2025
Fiction remains the heart of the BookTok wave, with themes like love, loss, coming-of-age, and magical realism capturing the minds of Gen Z readers. Here’s a snapshot of some of the trending titles:
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“The Things We Never Said” by Himanshu Rai – a powerful romance wrapped in emotional healing
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“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi – philosophical fiction with a time-travel twist
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“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig – continues to resonate with youth in search of purpose
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“It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover – still topping India’s GenZ romance charts
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“I Hear You” by Nidhi Upadhyay – an Indian psychological thriller that went viral on Reels
These books dominate trending shelves online and offline, with BookTokers creating fan art, reviews, and scene reenactments to celebrate their favorite plots and characters.
Self-Help & Non-Fiction Hits Among Gen Z
While fiction dominates emotional engagement, self-help and personal development books are a close second. GenZ readers are increasingly drawn to content that empowers them mentally, financially, and emotionally.
Top booktok-approved self-help titles of 2025 include:
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“Atomic Habits” by James Clear – still a staple for those building productivity routines
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“Do Epic Shit” by Ankur Warikoo – widely praised for relatability and desi context
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“The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel – a must-read for young investors
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“Ikigai” by Hector Garcia – helping readers find purpose and balance
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“You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay – a spiritual and affirmations-based favorite
These books feature heavily in “what I’m reading this month” content across BookTok, helping teens and college students navigate pressure, identity, and career planning.
How BookTok Is Changing Book Marketing in India
BookTok has become the go-to marketing space for publishers and indie authors alike. Viral trends and 30-second reviews now influence sales more than traditional book reviews or even newspaper features.
Key impacts of booktok trends on Indian book culture:
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Bookstores creating “#BookTok Recs” shelves across metros
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Rise in demand for aesthetic book covers and limited editions
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More Indian authors leveraging social media to promote releases
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Local libraries adapting to feature trending books in community events
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Gen Z-driven reading challenges gaining popularity on Instagram and YouTube
This transformation is helping revive reading culture among the youth, with many young readers now completing 12–24 books a year.
Where to Find These Trending Titles in 2025
If you’re looking to catch up with GenZ’s favorite books of 2025, here’s where to start:
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Amazon India and Flipkart’s BookTok collection pages
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Local independent bookstores in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata
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Reading platforms like Storytel, Audible, and Kobo for audiobooks
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Public libraries in Tier-1 cities offering free borrowing of top titles
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College-based reading clubs fueled by BookTok recommendations
Whether you prefer eBooks, audiobooks, or paperbacks, these trending books are now more accessible than ever—thanks to digital integration and strong reader communities.
FAQs
What are the most popular BookTok books in India for 2025?
Top trending books include The Things We Never Said, Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Atomic Habits, and Do Epic Shit, among others.
Are Indian authors trending on BookTok?
Yes, authors like Ankur Warikoo, Nidhi Upadhyay, and Himanshu Rai are going viral among Indian Gen Z readers.
How can I find BookTok-recommended books?
Check Amazon, Flipkart, local bookstore shelves labeled “BookTok Picks,” or follow Indian BookTok creators on Instagram and YouTube Shorts.
Is BookTok only for fiction books?
No, BookTok also covers self-help, finance, biographies, and poetry—though fiction remains the most shared genre.
Why is Gen Z so influenced by BookTok?
Gen Z connects with quick, visual content and peer recommendations. BookTok offers instant reviews, emotional reactions, and a sense of community around reading.
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